Many Ukrainians live and work in the UAE. Some work on contracts in Dubai, others open businesses in the Emirates, and still others move for higher salaries and new opportunities. However, most still have families and obligations at home, making the question of how to transfer money from the UAE to Ukraine relevant .
At first glance, transferring funds may seem simple: go to the bank, make a transfer, and the money appears in a Ukrainian account. But in reality, things are more complicated: banks operate with restrictions, fees are high, and sometimes transfers are blocked altogether.
That’s why Ukrainians are looking for other options: faster, more affordable, and more convenient. Let’s look at all the main options.
Bank transfer
The most obvious option is an international bank transfer. In the UAE, you can open an account and make a SWIFT transfer at almost every bank.
How does this work
You deposit dirhams, the bank converts them into dollars or euros and sends them via the international systеm. In Ukraine, the money arrives in the recipient’s account.
Pros
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Official and transparent way.
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Suitable for large amounts.
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Possibility to save documents and reports.
Cons
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Long: the transfer may take 3–7 business days.
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High fees: charged by banks in both the UAE and Ukraine.
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Unfavorable exchange rate.
This method makes sense if official translations are needed and reporting is important.
International money transfer systems
Popular services like Western uniоn and MoneyGram used to be a convenient way to send money to Ukraine. But today, they don’t always work, and fees have become significantly higher.
The exchange rate in such systems is rarely favorable, so the translation is significantly more expensive. This option remains only as a backup.
Exchange services
In practice, Ukrainians are increasingly using exchange services . These are companies that help transfer money between countries quickly and with minimal costs.
How does this work
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In Dubai, you hand over cash dirhams to a service representative.
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The amount and rate are fixed.
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In Ukraine, the recipient receives hryvnias in cash or on a bank card.
Advantages
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Speed. The money can arrive in Kyiv or another city the same day.
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Favorable exchange rate. No double conversion between dollars and euros.
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Convenience. You can transfer anything from a small amount for a family to a larger payment for a business.
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Simplicity. Minimal formalities—no need to gather a bunch of documents.
What is important to consider
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Use only proven services.
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Check the rate in advance and fix it.
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For very large amounts, it is better to choose “table to table”.
For most people, exchange services are the optimal solution: fast, convenient, and without unnecessary bureaucracy.
Havala
The hawala systеm is still widespread in the Middle East . It is an ancient and reliable method of transferring money based on trust.
How does hawala work?
You give the money to a middleman in Dubai (hawaladar). They contact their partner in Ukraine, who then transfers the hryvnia to the recipient.
The money is not physically sent anywhere—the transfer works through a trusted network of mutual settlements.
Advantages of hawala
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Maximum speed. You can receive money within an hour.
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Favorable rates. Often better than at banks.
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Flexibility. You can transfer 500 dirhams or 50,000.
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Convenience. Minimal formalities, everything is built on trust.
Why does this work?
Hawala has been around for centuries and is built on its reputation. It’s convenient for clients because of its simplicity: you pay here and get your money back there. This is why hawala remains popular among Ukrainians in the UAE.
Table to table
The “table to table” format is especially convenient for large translations.
What does it look like?
In Dubai, you meet and exchange dirhams in cash. At the same time, in Ukraine, your recipient receives hryvnia. Everything happens simultaneously, as if two transactions were taking place at the same table.
Advantages
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Synchronicity. No waiting—the money is transferred instantly.
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Ideal for large sums. Often used for purchasing real estate or businesses.
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Transparency. Everything is as simple and clear as possible.
The “table to table” format is appreciated by those who work with large sums and want to avoid delays.
How to choose the best translation method?
The choice depends on your goals:
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For small and regular transfers, exchange services are suitable.
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If you need money very quickly, use hawala.
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For large transactions – “table to table”.
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For official reporting – bank transfer.
Result
There are various ways to transfer money from the UAE to Ukraine. Banks offer official status, but they charge high fees and make you wait. International systems are gradually losing popularity.
In practice, people are increasingly choosing exchange services, hawala, and “table-to-table” —these are fast, convenient, and profitable options that save money and time.
If you need to transfer money from Dubai to Ukraine , consider the amount, speed, and purpose. Then, choosing the right transfer method will become clear.
